No huge surprise here as the folks from Sling Media were touting a summer launch of SlingPlayer Mobile for Android when we caught up with them at the gdgt live event in Austin, but according to information received by Phandroid earlier today the app is entering private beta right now.

The text of the email suggests that they are trying to fly under the radar with this one, but obviously that was an exercise in futility.

Hi ,

The wait is finally over! A new private beta is available for the SlingPlayer Mobile for Android. Since your beta profile is a good match for testing, you have the opportunity to join the new beta program.

Please note this is a special invitation so do not share this email or the below URL with anyone else. Also, do not mention you received an invitation, that the beta is starting, or anything that’s related. Due to the overwhelming demand for this program, we’d like to keep things as quiet as possible. Just think of it as a secret club! ;) SlingPlayer Mobile for Android Beta Invite

Sling’s ability to basically serve up all the services from your home system is certainly unique and I was a big fan and user on my old HTC Touch, but it will be interesting to see if the need to purchase separate hardware will prove too much of a deterrent for potential users considering all the streaming competition coming to Android this year.

And let’s not forget that if you are one of the growing population which owns a DVR, you have access to that over Sling too. I <3 my Slingbox and even though I've never PURCHASED an app on Android, that would be a must-buy for me…

So who has been getting these e-mails? Did you need to fill anything out, or change anything in a profile? Because I have an Android phone. And I have a Slingbox. Obviously since it’s a private beta I’m not expecting EVERYONE to get an invite (read: expecting an invite for me) but I’m just curious if there was some flag, or profile thing, that made people eligible, or what…

Either way, I’m really excited for this. Any word on pricing for Android? (Isn’t it ~$30 for iPhone?) Sorry if it’s in the video, can’t watch while at work…

I doubt you will be alone in feeling that way; I think they would be wise to offer a special which at the very least gives you the SlingPlayer Mobile app for free when you buy new hardware to bring the total cost of ownership down. Current pricing for the hardware would mean a $200-$300+ dollar purchase (at retail anyway) for the full package and that is going to be a tough sell for all but the most hardcore Sling fans.

Thanks to whoever leaked this info i am part of the beta program however had not received my invite yet. what i did receive was a letter stating that due to the leak they will not be leeting anymore of us in on it. so thank you for ruining it for all of us.

Sorry you got cheated out of your beta, but it sounds like Sling is being a little irrational. They are way too big to completely escape notice and trying to be secretive about an app that you have both shown publicly and announced a release schedule for borders on just plain crazy.

And let’s not forget that if you are one of the growing population which owns a DVR, you have access to that over Sling too. I <3 my Slingbox and even though I've never PURCHASED an app on Android, that would be a must-buy for me…

So who has been getting these e-mails? Did you need to fill anything out, or change anything in a profile? Because I have an Android phone. And I have a Slingbox. Obviously since it’s a private beta I’m not expecting EVERYONE to get an invite (read: expecting an invite for me) but I’m just curious if there was some flag, or profile thing, that made people eligible, or what…

Either way, I’m really excited for this. Any word on pricing for Android? (Isn’t it ~$30 for iPhone?) Sorry if it’s in the video, can’t watch while at work…

I doubt you will be alone in feeling that way; I think they would be wise to offer a special which at the very least gives you the SlingPlayer Mobile app for free when you buy new hardware to bring the total cost of ownership down. Current pricing for the hardware would mean a $200-$300+ dollar purchase (at retail anyway) for the full package and that is going to be a tough sell for all but the most hardcore Sling fans.

Thanks to whoever leaked this info i am part of the beta program however had not received my invite yet. what i did receive was a letter stating that due to the leak they will not be leeting anymore of us in on it. so thank you for ruining it for all of us.

Sorry you got cheated out of your beta, but it sounds like Sling is being a little irrational. They are way too big to completely escape notice and trying to be secretive about an app that you have both shown publicly and announced a release schedule for borders on just plain crazy.